Foreign travel is much more of a possibility now following the easing of coronavirus restrictions. GILES BROWN asks if this means we are going to have a quieter tourist season in the Lakes this year.

Stephen Ratcliffe, director of sustainable development at the Lake District National Park Authority

Through the pandemic many people discovered or rediscovered the Lake District, and that is a good thing for our nation.

Whilst, this year, fewer covid constraints will enable overseas travel, other factors are at play that may encourage more British people holidaying in the UK again. Sadly these include the conflict in Ukraine, fuel price rises and cost of living increases, all making long distance travel unattractive or unaffordable for many of us. Yet we feel the need more than ever to escape the pressures of our lives and relax in the beautiful landscapes of the country, including the Lake District.

We at the Lake District National Park Authority are continuing to work across the multi-agency partnership to welcome these visitors, ensuring that they have a safe and enjoyable holiday or day visits that support local businesses. We will continue to put in measures that encourage visitors to visit kindly and sustainably, looking after both our communities and environment.

Colin Fox, marketing manager at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues:

With international travel restrictions gradually lifting, we know some UK holidaymakers are keen to fly to the usual sunspots abroad, but it also means a rise in bookings for guests coming to the Lake District from overseas.

“We’ve also anticipated that the trend for staycationing will continue and the strength of our bookings for the summer seems to reflect this. So we’re already busy recruiting for the summer season.

“There are encouraging signs that the international market is picking up, and we’re seeing numerous bookings coming in from the US. As part of our plans for attracting more international guests, we've got involved in the Lake District Virtual Travel Trade Showcase 2022 supported by Cumbria Tourism.

“We’re hopeful overseas bookings will fill any gaps where UK holiday-makers decide to go abroad and we’re looking forward to a busy summer for both our guests and our staff.

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism

Overall 2021 was another challenging year for the sector, with figures significantly subdued on 2019. Whilst summer business was strong, due to pent up demand, the year as a whole was heavily impacted by restrictions.

“Everyone will welcome some normality and of course some will want to return abroad but Cumbria Tourism’s own visitor research indicates a significant percentage expect to take fewer trips abroad. This tallies with findings of a shift in behaviour patterns, people wanting to stay closer to home, to visit rural destinations, look after their physical and mental wellbeing, spend time outdoors. Where better to do this than Cumbria.

“Now, with restrictions lifting, we have the opportunity to capitalise on the new ‘staycation’ experience and new-found appreciation by many of what we have here in the UK and in Cumbria. As a result we expect a good year but, importantly, with visitors being able to spread their visits across the whole year and across the whole county.